Ron Rivera praises Daron Payne, compares him to Jonathan Allen, Terry McLaurin

Rivera on Payne: “He works hard the same way.”

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If defensive end Chase Young needs any motivation to perform well in 2023, he should look no further than defensive tackle Daron Payne. While their situations aren’t entirely alike, they each entered the final season of their rookie contract with plenty to prove.

The Washington Commanders didn’t open contract negotiations with Payne last offseason, letting him play the season out. Payne did, and he was outstanding, earning a four-year $90 million extension in March.

The Commanders opened minicamp Tuesday, and head coach Ron Rivera spoke to the media. He discussed Young’s situation at length and was also asked about Payne’s growth this offseason.

“I think he’s doing just like he did last year and the year before,” Rivera said. “I mean, he’s the same guy. He shows up the same way. He works hard the same way.”

When your coach says you are the same guy, that may not seem like a compliment. But it’s actually the ultimate compliment. Payne’s effort didn’t increase in 2022. It wasn’t like Payne played over his head in 2022. He was the same player, as far as his training and approach, as in his previous four seasons. Like defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said last week, Payne finished more plays last season, resulting in improved numbers.

Rivera wasn’t done complimenting Payne.

“And, you know, that’s true of most of our guys,” Rivera continued. “I mean, same thing for [DT] Jonathan [Allen] has been the same thing for [WR] Terry [McLaurin]. I mean, these guys, they haven’t changed who they are, and that’s the best thing about it. And that’s what we’re excited about being able to take care of our own guys that come in and perform and do things the right way. We want to try and keep those guys around and do the best we can, and we were able to do that. And so Daron is doing exactly what we believed he would be, and that is really just be the same guy and be who he is.”

Did you notice what Rivera said? “We want to try and keep those guys around.” There are three players in particular who come to mind that are free agents in 2024: Defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young and safety Kamren Curl.

While the Commanders are unlikely to be able to afford Young and Sweat, if they perform, Washington will do right by them and Curl.